1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20.   +3613540954  callascafe@gmail.com 

An elegant restaurant in Budapest inspired by Maria Callas

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The name Callas Café & Restaurant pays tribute to the Greek-born opera diva Maria Callas, evoking her elegance and the classic atmosphere of the era in Budapest.

The origin of the name Callas

An elegant restaurant inspired by Maria Callas


Callas – where does the name come from?

It is no coincidence that Callas Café & Restaurant is named after Maria Callas, one of the greatest opera divas of the 20th century. The name is both a tribute to art, opera and classical culture, and a conscious brand message: the restaurant aims to evoke the elegance, sophistication and charismatic atmosphere of the world-famous singer for all its guests. The name Maria Callas is synonymous with high art, captivating stage presence and unforgettable aesthetic experiences – qualities that Callas Café also aims to convey.

Why was the restaurant named after an opera singer?

The name is particularly apt because the restaurant is located right next to the Hungarian State Opera House. This location alone defines the spirit of the place: Callas carries on the artistic values emanating from the building and offers guests a kind of continuation of the opera house experience. The name thus forms a subtle cultural bridge between the world of opera and the art of gastronomy.
 

Who was Maria Callas?

Maria Callas (1923–1977) was one of the most famous and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Although she was of Greek origin, her career unfolded mainly on international stages, especially in Italy and the United States. She combined her extremely expressive, dramatic and lyrical soprano voice with exceptional technical skill. Her stage presence and emotional authenticity were at least as impressive as her singing voice. Her repertoire focused mainly on bel canto works, but she also gave memorable performances in the dramatic operas of Puccini and Verdi. Her outstanding performances, such as Norma, La Traviata, and Tosca, remain legendary to this day. The name Maria Callas is still synonymous with artistic excellence, elegance, and passion in the world of opera.
 

Why was Maira Callas chosen as the restaurant's namesake?


The reference to Maria Callas also emphasizes the classic atmosphere that is reflected in the interior, color scheme, and ambiance of Callas Café. The place is not just a restaurant, but a carefully composed space where guests can feel as if they are walking through the turn-of-the-century hustle and bustle of an elegant European city. The combination of old-fashioned charm and modern sophistication is as iconic as Maria Callas herself.

The choice of name also indicates that Callas Café is committed to tradition and quality. Just as the prima donna's performances set the standard for decades, the restaurant strives to provide a lasting, timeless experience. The name Callas is a guarantee that visitors will not only come to eat, but will also be enriched by a complete aesthetic experience.

The history of the place is also intertwined with this artistic approach. Since its opening, Callas Café has regularly hosted cultural events and has welcomed artists and performers associated with the world of opera on more than one occasion, so the choice of name is reflected in practice. The space itself has been designed so that guests immediately feel upon entering that this is more than just a restaurant, but rather an elegant cultural salon.
 

The film about the life of Maria Callas was also shot in Budapest

Although Maria Callas, the world-famous opera singer, never visited Budapest during her lifetime, the biographical film about her life was partly shot in the Hungarian capital. The film is titled "Maria" and was shot in 2023, with Angelina Jolie playing Maria Callas, who brought the artist's life to life at various iconic locations in the city during the Budapest shoot. Thus, the atmosphere and architecture of Budapest provide the backdrop for the story of Maria Callas, while the film offers Hungarian audiences the opportunity to get closer to the opera icon and her life's work.


 
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